Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Born in 476 CE in Kusumpur ( Bihar ), Aryabhatt's intellectual brilliance remapped the boundaries of mathematics and astronomy. In 499 CE, at the age of 23, he wrote a text on astronomy and an unparallel treatise on mathematics called 'Aryabhatiyam.' He formulated the process of calculating the motion of planets and the time of eclipses. Aryabhatt was the first to proclaim that the earth is round, it rotates on its axis, orbits the sun and is suspended in space - 1000 years before Copernicus published his heliocentric theory. He is also acknowledged for calculating p (Pi) to four decimal places: 3.1416 and the sine table in trigonometry. Centuries later, in 825 CE, the Arab mathematician, Mohammed Ibna Musa credited the value of Pi to the Indians, 'This value has been given by the Hindus.' And above all, his most spectacular contribution was the concept of zero without which modern computer technology would have been non-existent. Aryabhatt was a colossus in the field of mathematics.

BHASKARACHARYA II (1114-1183 CE) GENIUS IN ALGEBRA Born in the obscure village of Vijjadit (Jalgaon) in Maharastra, Bhaskaracharya's work in Algebra, Arithmetic and Geometry catapulted him to fame and immortality. His renowned mathematical works called 'Lilavati' and 'Bijaganita' are considered to be unparalled and a memorial to his profound intelligence. Its translation in several languages of the world bear testimony to its eminence. In his treatise ' Siddhant Shiromani ' he writes on planetary positions, eclipses, cosmography, mathematical techniques and astronomical equipment. In the ' Surya Siddhant ' he makes a note on the force of gravity: 'Objects fall on earth due to a force of attraction by the earth. Therefore, the earth, planets, constellations, moon, and sun are held in orbit due to this attraction.' Bhaskaracharya was the first to discover gravity, 500 years before Sir Isaac Newton . He was the champion among mathematicians of ancient and medieval India . His works fired the imagination of Persian and European scholars, who through research on his works earned fame and popularity.

ACHARYA KANAD (600 BCE) FOUNDER OF ATOMIC THEORY As the founder of ' Vaisheshik Darshan '- one of six principal philosophies of India - Acharya Kanad was a genius in philosophy. He is believed to have been born in Prabhas Kshetra near Dwarika in Gujarat . He was the pioneer expounder of realism, law of causation and the atomic theory. He has classified all the objects of creation into nine elements, namely: earth, water, light, wind, ether, time, space, mind and soul. He says, 'Every object of creation is made of atoms which in turn connect with each other to form molecules.' His statement ushered in the Atomic Theory for the first time ever in the world, nearly 2500 years before John Dalton . Kanad has also described the dimension and motion of atoms and their chemical reactions with each other. The eminent historian, T.N. Colebrook , has said, 'Compared to the scientists of Europe , Kanad and other Indian scientists were the global masters of this field.'

NAGARJUNA (100 CE) WIZARD OF CHEMICAL SCIENCE He was an extraordinary wizard of science born in the nondescript village of Baluka in Madhya Pradesh . His dedicated research for twelve years produced maiden discoveries and inventions in the faculties of chemistry and metallurgy. Textual masterpieces like ' Ras Ratnakar ,' 'Rashrudaya' and 'Rasendramangal' are his renowned contributions to the science of chemistry. Where the medieval alchemists of England failed, Nagarjuna had discovered the alchemy of transmuting base metals into gold. As the author of medical books like 'Arogyamanjari' and 'Yogasar,' he also made significant contributions to the field of curative medicine. Because of his profound scholarliness and versatile knowledge, he was appointed as Chancellor of the famous University of Nalanda . Nagarjuna's milestone discoveries impress and astonish the scientists of today.

ACHARYA CHARAK (600 BCE) FATHER OF MEDICINE Acharya Charak has been crowned as the Father of Medicine. His renowned work, the ' Charak Samhita ', is considered as an encyclopedia of Ayurveda. His principles, diagoneses, and cures retain their potency and truth even after a couple of millennia. When the science of anatomy was confused with different theories in Europe , Acharya Charak revealed through his innate genius and enquiries the facts on human anatomy, embryology, pharmacology, blood circulation and diseases like diabetes, tuberculosis, heart disease, etc. In the ' Charak Samhita ' he has described the medicinal qualities and functions of 100,000 herbal plants. He has emphasized the influence of diet and activity on mind and body. He has proved the correlation of spirituality and physical health contributed greatly to diagnostic and curative sciences. He has also prescribed and ethical charter for medical practitioners two centuries prior to the Hippocratic oath. Through his genius and intuition, Acharya Charak made landmark contributions to Ayurvedal. He forever remains etched in the annals of history as one of the greatest and noblest of rishi-scientists.

ACHARYA SUSHRUT (600 BCE) FATHER OF PLASTIC SURGERY A genius who has been glowingly recognized in the annals of medical science. Born to sage Vishwamitra, Acharya Sudhrut details the first ever surgery procedures in ' Sushrut Samhita ,' a unique encyclopedia of surgery. He is venerated as the father of plastic surgery and the science of anesthesia. When surgery was in its infancy in Europe , Sushrut was performing Rhinoplasty (restoration of a damaged nose) and other challenging operations. In the ' Sushrut Samhita ,' he prescribes treatment for twelve types of fractures and six types of dislocations. His details on human embryology are simply amazing. Sushrut used 125 types of surgical instruments including scalpels, lancets, needles, Cathers and rectal speculums; mostly designed from the jaws of animals and birds. He has also described a number of stitching methods; the use of horse's hair as thread and fibers of bark. In the ' Sushrut Samhita ,' and fibers of bark. In the ' Sushrut Samhita ,' he details 300 types of operations. The ancient Indians were the pioneers in amputation, caesarian and cranial surgeries. Acharya Sushrut was a giant in the arena of medical science.

VARAHAMIHIR (499-587 CE) EMINENT ASTROLOGER AND ASTRONOMERA renowned astrologer and astronomer who was honored with a special decoration and status as one of the nine gems in the court of King Vikramaditya in Avanti ( Ujjain ). Varahamihir's book 'panchsiddhant' holds a prominent place in the realm of astronomy. He notes that the moon and planets are lustrous not because of their own light but due to sunlight. In the ' Bruhad Samhita ' and ' Bruhad Jatak ,' he has revealed his discoveries in the domains of geography, constellation, science, botany and animal science. In his treatise on botanical science, Varamihir presents cures for various diseases afflicting plants and trees. The rishi-scientist survives through his unique contributions to the science of astrology and astronomy.

ACHARYA PATANJALI (200 BCE) FATHER OF YOGA The Science of Yoga is one of several unique contributions of India to the world. It seeks to discover and realize the ultimate Reality through yogic practices. Acharya Patanjali , the founder, hailed from the district of Gonda (Ganara) in Uttar Pradesh . He prescribed the control of prana (life breath) as the means to control the body, mind and soul. This subsequently rewards one with good health and inner happiness. Acharya Patanjali 's 84 yogic postures effectively enhance the efficiency of the respiratory, circulatory, nervous, digestive and endocrine systems and many other organs of the body. Yoga has eight limbs where Acharya Patanjali shows the attainment of the ultimate bliss of God in samadhi through the disciplines of: yam, niyam, asan, pranayam, pratyahar, dhyan and dharna. The Science of Yoga has gained popularity because of its scientific approach and benefits. Yoga also holds the honored place as one of six philosophies in the Indian philosophical system. Acharya Patanjali will forever be remembered and revered as a pioneer in the science of self-discipline, happiness and self-realization.

ACHARYA BHARADWAJ (800 BCE) PIONEER OF AVIATION TECHNOLOGY Acharya Bharadwaj had a hermitage in the holy city of Prayag and was an ordent apostle of Ayurveda and mechanical sciences. He authored the ' Yantra Sarvasva ' which includes astonishing and outstanding discoveries in aviation science, space science and flying machines. He has described three categories of flying machines: 1.) One that flies on earth from one place to another. 2.) One that travels from one planet to another. 3.) And One that travels from one universe to another. His designs and descriptions have impressed and amazed aviation engineers of today. His brilliance in aviation technology is further reflected through techniques described by him: 1.) Profound Secret: The technique to make a flying machine invisible through the application of sunlight and wind force.2.) Living Secret: The technique to make an invisible space machine visible through the application of electrical force. 3.) Secret of Eavesdropping: The technique to listen to a conversation in another plane.4.) Visual Secrets: The technique to see what's happening inside another plane.Through his innovative and brilliant discoveries, Acharya Bharadwaj has been recognized as the pioneer of aviation technology.

ACHARYA KAPIL (3000 BCE) FATHER OF COSMOLOGY Celebrated as the founder of Sankhya philosophy, Acharya Kapil is believed to have been born in 3000 BCE to the illustrious sage Kardam and Devhuti. He gifted the world with the Sankhya School of Thought. His pioneering work threw light on the nature and principles of the ultimate Soul (Purusha), primal matter (Prakruti) and creation. His concept of transformation of energy and profound commentaries on atma, non-atma and the subtle elements of the cosmos places him in an elite class of master achievers - incomparable to the discoveries of other cosmologists. On his assertion that Prakruti, with the inspiration of Purusha, is the mother of cosmic creation and all energies, he contributed a new chapter in the science of cosmology. Because of his extrasensory observations and revelations on the secrets of creation, he is recognized and saluted as the Father of Cosmology.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Fazilka, October 24Nearly 350 students of different schools poured water into the dry Badha Lake with their water bottles on the International Day of Climate Action here on Saturday to preserve Badha lake wetland of Fazilka in its original shape and to ensure future life at Fazilka by preserving its natural environment.

A programme for pouring water into Badha Lake was organised here today by the Graduate Welfare Association, Fazilka (GWAF) and international-level Global Campaign against Climate Change Association. MC president Anil Sethi was the chief guest on the occasion.

Online signature campaign was launched by the people of Fazilka. More than 350 on-line grievances by the people were sent to higher authorities to take action to save environment.

"Different organisations in 177 countries have been organising about 4,600 programmes simultaneously today to create awareness amongst the people against the threat of global warming and to preserve the environment," said engineer Navdeep Asija, secretary of Graduate Welfare Association.

It is pertinent to mention here that in year 1980, the natural water of the decades-old, 10 feet deep and spread in 17 acres of land, Badha lake had dried up. No political representative or government functionary bothered to save the lake.

At present, the existence of this lake is almost vanished. The panchayat of village Badha on outskirts of Fazilka had started leasing out the lake land for cultivation to private persons from the day it had dried up.

As per the information, gathered by The Tribune, there were about 150 peacocks, the national bird, in the forest around this lake. However, at present not even a single peacock can be seen in this area.

While giving the details about 350.org, the patron of the GWAF Dr Bhupinder Singh disclosed that the organisation, has been helping people hold rallies, aimed at focusing attention on the number 350 because scientists have insisted in the recent years that 350 parts per million (PPM) is the most carbondioxide we can safely have in the atmosphere.

The present CO2 concentration is 390 PPM, which has been damaging the atmosphere badly, he said.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Fazilka: Schoolchildren, members of NGOs and several residents of Fazilka emptied water bottles at the Badha Lake site here on Saturday in a symbolic attempt to revive it, on the eve of the International Day of Climate Action.

The campaign was initiated by Indian Youth Climate Network, 350.org and Graduates Welfare Association.

Earlier, a procession was taken out through Fazilka, amid raising of slogans to save the environment and revive Badha Lake. They also launched a signature campaign to urge the highups to intervene.

Vikram Ahuja, a prominent businessman, said the lake was an integral part of their life but the area had gradually been illegally occupied or used as a dumping ground.

Badha Lake is in the list of 32 wetlands of the world and also known as `Harash Sho Lake'.

Branching out of Sutlej through Miyani Basti, Badha, Salemshah and Maujam villages to culminate at Sulemanki Head, the lake is spread in an area of 150 acre. It was the main source of potable water from 1844 to 1946.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Sant Seechewal joins the campaign to Save Badha Lake at Fazilka - International Day of Climate Action being celebrated at Fazilka

In a another historic decision, Municipal Council Fazilka has banned polythene from 1 November 2009 in Fazilka

Today on the occasion of International Day of Climate Action, Fazilka citizens started their campaign to save the historic Badha Lake. Fazilka was established by British Mr Oliver on the bank of horse shoe lake Badha, which was then spread in the area of about 17 acre. He was impressed with the biodiversity of this area. This area was with the full of peacocks and other migratory birthday. This was amongst the best known 32 wetlands of Punjab as per the record of Punjab state science and technology council. With the diversion of satuluj water and greedy deeds of mankind, made this entire wetland as dry area. Illegal sand mining from the lake bad further worsen the problem.

Today in a historic event organized at the old bank of Badha Lake near SDM office, 350 school children from various schools participated along with leading business houses M/s Zamindara Farmsolutions and M/s Nasa Agro Industries as a part of their business social responsibility. School children were carrying their water bottles to pour water into lake bed. This was symbolic gesture by the school kids just to alert policy makers to care about their future and also to make this Save Badha Lake campaign as huge success as a citizen movement. Participator schools and colleges were Dost Model Middle School, K.D. Model School, Government Senior Secondary School (Boys) and Jyoti B.Ed College Fazilka.

Save Badha lake campaign gathered huge success when leading environmentalist Sant Seechewal in a separate communication also joined the save Badha lake campaign. He informed to the organizers about his visit to Badha Lake after 10th November of next week after his completion of Nagar Keertan. He also appreciated the efforts of Fazilka residents about their concern to save the water and the wetland. He extended his full support for the cause.

Adding a great success to the occasion of International Day of Climate Action, President Municipal Council Fazilka, Mr Anil Sethi in their separate decision at Municipal Council office, approved the Ban of polythene in Fazilka from 1st November 2009.It is important to note here that being a border town this India's smallest big town has already set many examples to teach rest of the world about Environment Conservation and how citizen participation can suppress the effect of 'global warming'.

A signature campaign was also completed on the same occasion and the same memorandum would be handed to Deputy Commissioner Ferozpur to requested early action to save it. Dr Bhupinder Singh, retired professor from Indian Institute of Technology, presided over the function. He also stressed that if we don't act now we many lost our major environmental asset Badha Lake forever.

The event was jointly organized by Graduates Welfare Association (GWAF) Fazilka along with Indian Youth Climate Network and 350.org

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

FAZILKA: 350 school children from Punjab will pour water into the dry lake bed with their water bottles to ensure their future life at Fazilka by preserving their natural environment on 24th October 2009. It will be a message by them to all as how and why they are sacrificing today to save their future in Fazilka, since their elders remain silent when damage was being done to the climate of Fazilka.

Graduates Welfare Association Fazilka, in association with Indian Youth Climate Network & 350.org, starts an Effort to preserve Badha Lake wetland in its original shape.

Fazilka city was established on the bank of Badha Lake, which was then spread in huge area. In the year 1844, a Britisher Pat Van Agnew constructed his Bungalow (presently SDM office cum residence) on the bank of Badha Lake. He was impressed with the bio-diversity and environment of this area, later by purchasing land from Mian Fazal Watto, he founder beautiful city Fazilka in the thar desert region. Now because of the criminal negligence of the concerned authorities, greedy deeds of the manhood and some self interest of the political leaders to win over vote bank; we have almost lost our vintage uniqueness Badha Lake, due to which our city came into existence.

Till 1960, the lake was full of water and supported various species of migratory bird and the groundwater was available at the depth of 4 m below the ground. Between 1844-1946, the lake was the source of drinking water for the town. The Indus Water Treaty in 1960 caused the Sutlej river to be truncated at Suleimanki Head Works by the Water Commission of the Central government, leaving it with no source of water.

According to Prof Bhupinder Singh, Professor of IIT, Roorkee, "The stretch of stream from Ferozepur to Fazilka hardly gets any water from Satluj; all the 105-kilometre stretch carries is waste from the leather industry of Kasur in Pakistan. This has affected the ecology badly and has left many such smaller horse-shoe lakes on its banks dry," The lake-bed is now listed as Panchayat land in the local revenue department's documents and has been leased out for cultivation. The groundwater level has gone down to 30 m below the ground. In 2000, the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (PSCST) submitted a report to the state Environment Department stating that the conservation of this wetland is essential.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Fazilka, on the Indo-Pak border now has library, car-free market, rickshaws on call

by Rajni Shaleen Chopra

CHILEANS had a saying: `En Chile no pasa nada (In Chile, nothing happens)'. The same could earlier be said for Fazilka. Not any more.

A citizens' group has taken matter in its own hands and with no tangible help from the state government, turned the town around. Considered one of the most backward areas of the state, the border town has taken giant leaps in the past one decade. A team of citizens -- the Graduate Welfare Association of Fazilka (GWAF) -- has taken a number of initiatives and set an example.

The group consists of a motley group of doctors, lawyers, educationists, businessmen and others who hail from the town. Some are working outside the town, but the desire to see development in Fazilka is the thread that binds them.

Last month, residents of Fazilka came together to celebrate Anand Utsav -- a modern version of the traditional mela, with stalls of eatables and toys, cultural programmes, and rural games. The real motive behind the utsav was to raise awareness levels about environment. Women took out a jaago -- a festive march taken out at night -- singing songs to spread awareness about the need to plant trees. "About 300 saplings of trees like Kachnar, Gulmohar, Neem, Pipal and Jamun were given to the residents of middle and lower-middle class areas like Nai Abadi, Dhingra Colony and Teachers' Colony," said Navdeep Asija, secretary, GWAF.

GWAF deputed volunteers, who went house to house and helped residents plant the saplings. "We got the saplings planted by a daughter of the house. Female foeticide is a menace in Punjab, and through this move, our effort was to make people realise the importance of daughters," said Laxman Dost, a former municipal councillor and one of members of GWAF. "Till now, 610 saplings have been planted in various areas of the city as part of the initiative," he added.

GWAF had earlier written to the schools of the township to get saplings planted on campus. With the help of Vikram Ahuja, a leading entrepreneur of the area, a tractor-trolley with saplings and equipment is sent to schools to assist in the job.

The town now has a working library, inaugurated in August, and in September, GWAF celebrated `Green Ramlila'. In the episode played on September 25, when Hanuman brings the Sanjivani booti to help save Laxman, saplings were given as prasad to the audience. The Fazilka Value Education Library has books given by students who have cleared competitive exams in various fields. "Now students preparing for these exams have the best of books, and a quiet environment to study," informed Dr Rajnish Kamra, a member of GWAF. The library was opened in the old municipal library building, which was rarely used. GWAF is organising lectures by experts for local students, through video-conferencing.

The association has also brought back the tradition of a community cooking area. In June this year, it set up tandoors in the streets of Nai Abadi, Teachers' Colony and Dhingra Colony. "Women now look forward to coming to cook at the tandoor each afternoon and evening, instead of hurrying up with the work to watch TV serials," smiles Raj Rani, a resident of Nai Abadi. A tandoor was also provided to a poor woman in the TV Tower Colony, where she is now able to make a living for herself as a cook. The number of such tandoors has now gone up to 10.

The earlier initiatives taken by GWAF are going strong too. A major achievement of the group was making the main commercial area of Fazilka, the Ghanta Ghar Market, a `car-free zone'. From 10 am to 7 pm, no cars are allowed here. The dial-arickshaw programme is also working well, said Asija.

A guiding force behind these various initiatives is Dr Bhupinder Singh, a retired faculty member of IIT Rourkee, and patron of GWAF. Laxman Dost says their efforts were born out of a feeling of frustration over the state of affairs in the township. "We realised that any change for the better could come through initiatives taken by the citizens themselves."

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

FAZILIKA - Sufi saints have been known for centuries to have spread the message of brotherhood, love and peace beyond the religious confines of different communities in India.

People of Punjab recently organized a fair dedicated to Peer Baba Muhammad Ali, and a large number of believers of the mystic converged regardless of caste, creed or gender, to pay obeisance at his mausoleum.

The fair is organised at Baba's mausoleum annually, which is located along the Fazilka-Ferozepur Highway in southwest Punjab. It is being held since 1947 Partition.

It is believed that the mausoleum has been in existence since the partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947.

As the owner of the land in which mausoleum is located belongs to a Hindu Seth Munsi Ram, a Hindu family is the caretaker of the mausoleum and organizes the fair.

Be it Hindu, Sikh or a Muslim - they pay obeisance with great faith and devotion.

"Devotees of all faiths come here. Devotees seek the blessing of the Peer Baba with ardent devotion. There is no distinction made among Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims. No matter who belongs to which religion and caste, everyone gets an equal treatment in the house of Peer Baba Muhammad Ali," said Kailash Rani, a devotee.

An example of communal harmony in India, this holy place comes alive with activities involving shopping, food, sports and cultural programmes.

On this occasion, various rural sports events are organized during the fair with Kabaddi attracting from nearby villages participate with great enthusiasm.

The idea is to inspire youngsters to take up sports and keep them away from bad habits like drug addiction. It's a unique effort that has succeeded.

"Every year, sports events like kabaddi are organized and artistes are roped in to entertain. Such events inspire people to stay away of all bad habits. Whatever offerings we receive are spent on activities that benefit humanity, which includes sports and health," said Narendra Jeet, a devotee.

"This fair is organised in collaboration with all religious communities. It is an excellent initiative to maintain peace and brotherhood among the people," said Bohar Singh, another devotee.

On this occasion, a rural fair without Sufi and folk music would have remained incomplete. Thus, noted singers like Mohammad Sadaique sang devotional and folk songs. The fair helped in binding the people together.

Beautiful Fazilka

Fazilite Network..

About Fazilka...

160 year old historical town Fazilka of District Ferozepur, also known as Bangla, is located in southwestern Punjab (INDIA), about 325 kms west of Punjab State Capital Chandigarh, 85 km south-west of the district headquarters, Ferozepur and 200 km south of Amritsar. Fazilka is on India -Pakistan border and is 11 km off the international border with Pakistan. It is situated on the rice growing and cotton rich belt of the state and is one of the major rice exporting centers in India. Before partition, the town was the biggest wool market in undivided Punjab.

Fazilka’s origin dates back to AD 1844. It was established by Mr. Oliver and was christened after the original owner of the land, Mian Fazil Watoo. The first railway line through the town was setup in AD 1898 on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the accession of Queen Victoria. Being at the border, Fazilka also had to bear the brunt of the two Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971.

The famous ‘Tosha’ sweets have its origin in Fazilka. The first single cylinder steam ship in the world, Fazilka, was named after this town. Fazilka is also home to the second biggest TV tower in Asia, which stands at 305 m above the ground.
Amritsar International Airport and Ludhiana Domestic Airport serves Fazilka. Fazilka Railway Station is located on Abhor- Ferozepur Region of Northern Railways. National Highway 10 passes through Fazilka.

Geography & Demography of the City:

As of 2001 India census,Fazilka had a population of 67,424. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Fazilka has an average literacy rate of 68%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 72%, and female literacy is 62%. In Fazilka, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age